Discounts, deals in play but CM producers prevent slide in pricing, while CFS firms some and SC is tight

摘要

The US coated freesheet (CFS) market is showing demand strength this month that wasn't seen in September, sources said this week, and while coated mechanical (CM) is softer and some CM mills are ready to do one-off deals and discount list prices, most are holding their ground on contract pricing. Contacts said even though discounted CM tons are available, the deals do not constitute a broad-based price reduction, and belief is widespread among both buyers and sellers that producers are willing to idle machines rather than possibly see a slide in prices.